Have you ever looked at a car and thought “That’s going to be one a classic”. That’s what I think whenever I see a McLaren 720S. I’ve always wondered why cars today seem to try so hard to keep old design cues. Take a look at the Dodge Challenger for example. The classic “muscle car” shape was beautiful in its time because it looked like a car of the future should look. Now, it is the future, and there’s not reason for cars to look like the past. When manufacturers stick too much to past design cues, the new cars end up looking like fattened Botox-filled abominations of past icons. Not the 720S.
Super cars have always had sharp lines and flowing curves, but the McLaren 720S takes it to another level. There’s been a lot of talk in Formula One about McLaren having the most aerodynamic car of the pack, but are hindered by their lack of power. The rumors certainly shine true here. Every single inch of this car just screams down force. Even the headlights funnel air.
There’s something to be said about being able to design a car that’s both beautiful and aerodynamic. Most cars that have extreme amounts of down force don’t looks particularly good, like the Gumpert Appollo or the McLaren Senna. McLaren’s 720S might make as much as its uglier counterparts, but giving up the ability to drive upside down in a tunnel for its sexy curves is a price I’m willing to pay. Just look at the side scoops. They’re massive, but flow extremely well with the car.
More than being pretty, it’s an elegant car. The shape isn’t too angular, there aren’t wings and flaps everywhere, and it doesn’t look like it was designed by a 10-year-old. You could drive up to the Met Gala in this car and people would still think “Now, that’s a successful and mature person”.
Forget performance, because you know McLaren can deliver (on their road cars anyway). Just look at the P1. We’re talking looks here, and there are few that can compete. Personally, I would say the 720S’s biggest competitor would be the Ferrari 488 Pista, and maybe the Lamborghini Huracan Performante. The thing is, none of the those cars come close to being as elegant as the McLaren.
For my fellow photographers out there, if you ever get a chance to shoot one of these cars, you’re in for a treat. Every line, corner, and angle on this car is sexy. Just look at this door jamb. What is usually the most neglected and dirty part of the car is clad in risque forged carbon fiber.
To me, this entire can is a bit of a contradiction of itself. It’s both restrained and flamboyant at the time. Not to mention the colors. Of course you can get one in classic McLaren orange, maybe even with a Papaya (like their current F1 livery) scheme if you talk to MSO. However, the orange isn’t the only one that looks good. There’s just something about the styling of the 720s that makes darker colors pop. Just take a look at this dark red, which I’ve dubbed “seductive librarian burgundy”.
I can talk about how pretty the 720S is all day, but I know that’s not what you’re here for. I’ll just let the pictures do the talking from here. You’re welcome.
